newsletter Lake Rotoiti winter Community Association Inc. 2012
chairperson’s report
Welcome to the Winter edition of our Newsletter. After thinking that the pace might slacken this year, instead we have been busier than ever. Lake levels, sewerage plants, court cases and the never ending interactions with Councils have taken up far more time than we anticipated.
Okere Gates being sought. The adjournment will hopefully allow all parties to work together to find a solution acceptable and beneficial to The Resource Consent Renewals for the Okere Gates and the Ohau everyone. Channel Weir were finally signed by the Environment Court on 26th March 2012. The new operating regime has now come into The Environment Court offered its considerable experience in effect and the first annual “flush” has recently taken place. We mediation and work-shopping to help the parties resolve the would be very interested in any feedback that residents would like issues raised in the hearings, and LRCA fully support seeing this to give on the affects to them of this flush. All contact details are process put in place. at the end of this report. Changes to our Rates Our lead article sets out very clearly how the new operating I would urge you to read the article regarding Rate changes. regime is to work and the lake levels that can be expected Representatives from each of the major lakes groups in the throughout the year. District are to meet with the Community Board to discuss the Rotoma Waste Water Treatment Plant Consent current situation and to decide on a cohesive way forward. Again Appeal we would welcome comment from all interested parties. The new rates are available on the Rotorua District Council website. In early July the Environment Court was to hear two Appeals against the granting of a Consent for the Rotoma WWTP. We will be posting updates on this subject on the website After the Rotoma Rotoehu Ratepayers Association was able to Weed Spraying successfully negotiate extra conditions for the Consent with Rotorua District Council they withdrew their appeal. Instead they Details of the 2012/13 LINZ Proposed Annual Biosecurity Control sat as an Interested Party in the Hearing for the remaining two Works Programme for Crown Land administered by Land appeals. information New Zealand (LINZ) (Weed-spraying to us!) are being made available on our website. I would urge you to look at these LRCA and Tamatea St Ratepayers Association also participated in and to contact us if you have any comment the Appeals as Interested Parties. hilary prior (Chairperson) With agreement from all parties the Environment Court adjourned the Appeal until the end of September. There is more work needed Please contact us in regard to any of these matters at to be done on the proposed WWTP which will result in either [email protected] or leave comments on our website www.rotoiti. submission of an amendment to the Consent, or a new Consent co.nz, or write to us at LRCA c/o PDC Mourea, RD4, Rotorua. Okere Gates Lake Rotoiti Level Consent Finalised Three liaison groups have been established to provide feedback to the BOP Regional Council on the operational regime as implemented throughout the 35 year consent After nearly three years of protracted period. Two of these groups are iwi-based Kaitiaki Groups negotiations - including an extended – split basically by particular interest either above Environment Court mediation process – the or below the gates – and a more general community Okere Gates Consent was finally signed-off on liaison group including LRCA and other special interest 26 March 2012. Key elements of the intended community groups. The Kaitiaki Groups are each required operating regime are summarized in the to provide a Cultural Management Plan within the first following chart. 3 years of the consent and every 5 years thereafter, which, if accompanied by a written request for review of Particular features include : consent conditions, may oblige the Regional Council to 1. 279.100 as a minimum level for the 7 conduct such review. The Kaitiaki Groups will be funded months from 01 October – 30 April. This by the BOP Regional Council to provide this cultural is the ‘critical’ minimum level advocated management feedback. by LRCA to minimize jetty access and The next graphic shows how levels for the new consented navigation issues. This minimum will regime compare with historical lake levels. therefore be observed during the main Two issues persistently raised by the Ngati Pikiao summer and autumn recreational boating Environmental Society and likely to be raised again in months. future include : 2. A gradual drawdown to a 279.000 minimum • Lake Rotoiti levels since the installation of the Okere for July and August. This is the so-called Gates have been higher than historical levels. This is ‘flush’ during which it is hoped to shift not correct as indicated in the following graphic. sediment in the Ohau Channel and delta, • Full opening of the Okere Gates for an extended and to generally observe the impact of this ‘trial period’ - perhaps of many years - will allow level on lake dynamics. the objective assessment of how lake levels would 3. All Okere Gate management will require naturally vary had the gates not been installed. that the 6 hourly average outflow of water Not only is that information already available from through the gates must be equal to, or historical records, but furthermore the bottom sill greater than the 6 hourly average inflow level of the existing gates is almost 1 metre lower of water from the Ohau Channel. This is than the pre-existing natural rock ledge; hence, to minimize ‘reflux’ of water from Lake with the gates at their fully-open setting lake levels Rotorua around the diversion wall and would likely drop considerably below ‘natural’ levels thence into the main body of Lake Rotoiti. creating unacceptably low lake levels and considerable navigation risk.
reticulated sewerage around our major lakes. and healthy Lake Rotorua through reduced nutrient emissions. to see the positive changing attitudes within council taking A co-ordinator has been appointed and we have asked Bay of many of the ideas out of our 2011 Symposium into the new We now have a draft Regional Policy Statement which has Plenty Regional Council to conduct a workshop for all parties Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy. The costs of restoration targeted 435 tonnes of Nitrogen as being the sustainable load to identify solutions for the best way forward. Our challenge is and management of our lakes are high and it is essential that to Lake Rotorua. This means the community will need to come far greater than that of Lake Taupo and hence the need to have Rotorua becomes a ‘can do’ place to live and grow to be able to Progress on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes action plans continues up with ideas and plans of action to remove over 300 tonnes more innovative ideas and plans to achieve our goals. maintain the standards of water quality that we expect. to build pace. New plans are being completed for Lakes Tarawera, per annum from the catchment through changing land use and The Rotorua District Council has recently created a new Rotomahana and Okataina. People have been swimming in Lake management. LWQS has partnered with Lake Rotorua Primary John Green | Chairman economic development council controlled organisation to help Rotoehu for the first time in nearly 40 years. Rotoiti’s clarity is Producers’ Collective, comprising dairy and drystock farmers and LakesWater Quality Society drive the district’s growth strategy for the future. It is refreshing now over 8 metres and excellent progress has been made on land owners, to work together co-operatively to achieve a clean
Rotorua Lakes Community Board Venues to be announced: • August 2 • September 13 • November 1 • December 13 Proposed 2012 Meeting Dates LRCA website: www.rotoiti.co.nz Bay of Plenty REGIONAL COUNCIL News: PROPERTY RATES Rotorua Lakes Programme Are we being fairly treated? Update Our rating systems are again in the spotlight with the latest • The huge disparity in urban and rural residential average 1. Rotoehu De-stratification machinery (installed late May) will 4. Bay of Plenty Regional Council is going through the last proposals that were put forward in the Draft District and property valuations. be used to test the aeration of the lake on a shallow lake stages of applying for consent for the emergency alum Regional Long Term Plans. Some of these proposals have • The significant limitations in accessing the major public 2. The Tikitere de-nitrification plant is getting a major change dosing for Okawa Bay if conditions develop setting up for a significant implications for rural residential ratepayers in facilities and amenities based in the city due to distances to the front end operation to remove sediment before harmful algal bloom. So far this season algal numbers have particular and pose serious questions surrounding their fairness to travel, and the extra costs imposed through a lack of treatment as this is preventing the flow of the water through been low and there has been no requirement to dose in that and equity. public transport (accepting that most of these facilities and the filter bed. The results of this will be used to design location. Most of our lakes ratepayers fall into the rural residential amenities are not replicated in our communities). the full scale plant over the next 12 category and many will recall the extreme debacle of 1991 months • The considerable individual capital cost of lakeside sewerage when Rotorua District Council proposed to increase the general 3. The quality of Lake Rotorua schemes implemented for the benefit of thewhole district rates paid by this sector from a differential of 25 percent of water continues to improve. but sparsely subsidised from general rates (whilst we urban to 100 percent with little fore-warning. Under the initial Lake modelling work, being acknowledge that sewerage and water maintenance charges generalship of our then Chairman, Lindsay Brighouse (who was undertaken by University of have been equalised across the district – to our added soon to be joined by leaders from the other Lakes Ratepayer Waikato and Professor Hamilton, benefit - it needs to be remembered that the huge residual Groups), a stern campaign of protest was mounted which is aimed at qualifying the reason capital cost to the district of upgrading the urban sewerage eventually led to some 400 property owners taking up ‘arms’ for the improvement. This report scheme in 1991 was essentially funded 100% from general to fight what was seen to be a thoroughly unjust proposition. will be completed in July 2012. It is rates which meant that those with significantly higher land The upshot was that, following the threat of a legal challenge, likely to be related to the success values - most of us - ended up contributing far more than Council agreed to take a more rational view. After some of alum dosing in two streams the average urban beneficiary). meaningful consultation, it was agreed to settle on a differential locking up phosphorus, as well as of 51.5% which actually represented the difference in average • The regulated and self-imposed restriction on setting the wet cool summer preventing land valuation between urban and rural residential ratepayers uniform and targeted annual charges which adversely the lake from stratifying this at that time. It was also our belief that a tacit undertaking affects us by adding to the costs required to be recovered summer and reducing the release of was given to use this formula as a basis for setting future rates through general rates nutrients from the lake sediments. ect between the two sectors. However, this has never been adhered The modelling and report will help e-stratification proj Pipe used in the Rotoehu D to by Council. Taking all things into consideration, we strongly believe that identify if this is the case. the decision to remove differentials is principally unfair and Since then, a number of reviews have seen the differential will result in significant inequity! The ongoing and major whittled back to where it stands today at 76 percent of the variance of property values in the rural residential sector urban rate (which now means that we pay 58% more on average compared to our urban counterparts along with differences Rotorua Harbourmaster: than our urban cousins). This despite the ever increasing gap in service delivery will, more than ever, influence the rating between urban and rural property valuations (these average inequities that have prevailed since 1991. We say that a update variances based on the latest valuations are 125 percent for land differential for rural residential ratepayers is well justified and and 76 percent for capital values) and our assiduous opposition should remain. • As most of you are aware we had the unfortunate accident • We have seen a pleasing improvement in boat behaviour based on factual differences between the two groups. of a vessel catching fire on Lake Rotoiti a few weeks ago. lately, especially with skippers ensuring that they have the We are signifying that any further change from the present In the latest round of proposals, Council has now ratified differential between urban and rural residential general rates • Sadly one of the children on board received burns but his correct number and type of lifejackets on board. a change from a land to capital value-based system on the without compensating factors such as additional targeting parents say that he is well on the road to recovery and was • Many thanks to those that advise us of buoys that have premise that it provides a more equitable apportionment of needs to be subject to serious scrutiny by this Association and wanting to get out water skiing within a couple of days, been damaged and lights not working. We do our best in rates and is a fairer indicator of an ‘ability to pay’. Moreover, other rural communities. Accordingly, all of our residents and great to have that true Kiwi spirit still showing in our youth. replacing them as quickly as possible and having extra sets it is intended to phase out all differentials over the next few members are encouraged to make a closer examination of the • We thank the Volunteer Fire Service for their response; they of eyes looking out is gratefully appreciated. years (both capital value and removal of differentials were a likely implications of the latest changes and be prepared to did a fine job in containing it and ensuring that no other • Wrap up warm when out on the water during winter and recommendation in the ‘Shand’ Report of several years ago). support any action deemed necessary to protect our longer term people were injured or vessels damaged. please check your navigation lights. interests. We will be communicating further information (both In our submission to RDC, we again highlighted these important • With winter fast approaching we have reduced our “It’s safe to be seen” directly to members and via our website) in the near future. factors towards at least maintaining our present differential:- patrol duties and are doing them on a more random basis Ross Powell depending on weather conditions. Maritime Officer - Bay of Plenty Regional Council community board update With perhaps the most circuitous and exorbitant saga of recent ‘high tech’ system will be necessary to meet the requirements of times now concluded with the issue of a resource consent for the the BOPRC’s ‘On-Site Effluent Treatment’ (OSET) regulations. The ongoing operation of the Okere Falls control gates, we can now cost of this upgrade is estimated to be in the vicinity of $20,000 look forward to the water in Lake Rotoiti being managed and per property. At this stage, there is no financial assistance in controlled to levels not dissimilar to those we have enjoyed for the form of deferred payments or interest free loans available the past 28 years. to property owners, a situation that we are sure some will find oppressively onerous. The Community Board has recently made We are however staggered that the cost of this consent has been strong submissions on this and other OSET related issues to the $1.84 million. (yes, that’s right, $1,840,000.00 just for obtaining BOPRC. A plan change is currently being undertaken by the the consent and that has been paid by you the ratepayer). BOPRC and, if you will be affected by these OSET regulations, we Of special concern, however, is the confidential settlement urge you become involved and make submissions to Council1. reached with appellant Ngati Pikiao, the agreement for ongoing With Lake Okataina having become infested with the obnoxious research and monitoring, and the development and five yearly lake weed ‘hornwort’ in the last year or so, and with the recent review of a cultural management plan. At the time of writing, the announcement that it has now been found in Lake Okareka to further costs of this confidential settlement and agreement are the huge disappointment of the residents, it is perhaps timely unknown but will nevertheless be a further cost to ratepayers. that the BOPRC, after considerable pressure from the Community We have recently made submissions to the BOPRC that details of Board, have indicated in their draft Ten Year Plan that a budget of these costs be transparently included in their Ten Year Plan 2012- $50,000 will be established for the 2012/13 year for the control 2022. of lake weed for amenity reasons. Some weed control has been The detailed reticulation design for the eastern Lake Rotoiti undertaken over recent years for environmental reasons which sewerage scheme has now been completed and RDC has advised has had some good success, particularly on Lake Rotoehu, but that the estimated subsided cost of the scheme has been reduced very little for amenity reasons in areas where we like to recreate. from a total of $18,089 per HUE (residential property) to a much We are pleased to see this development and look forward to an Lake Rotoiti History more manageable $10,009 (GST inclusive). This cost is now in increased control of lake weed in Lake Rotoiti for this coming Komuhumuhu (Gisborne point) line with that being paid by lakeside property owners in other summer. An important early settlement located on the north-eastern side of the areas. At the present stage progress with this eastern Rotoiti and headland now referred to as Gisborne Point. About 1820 Komuhumuhu Rotoma scheme is being held up while appeals to the proposed Brentleigh Bond Rotorua Lakes Community Board was attacked by an army of Ngati Maru and Ngati Paoa commanded Lake Rotoma wastewater treatment plant are being heard. by the chiefs Te Kopara Te Himu, Te Karamu, Te Manukikaitaru and Te Further information can be obtained from the Community Ruinga. Board at (07) 362 4700 or [email protected], or the LRCA at For those ratepayers who are unable to connect to a reticulated Later Komuhumuhu became a centre for the propagation of sewage scheme, a replacement of existing septic systems to a [email protected] Christianity. Remains of Te Rotoiti’s first church (built at Te Mapou, Tapuaekura) were taken to Komuhumuhu during the early 1850s and used in the construction of a church there. This apparently replaced The important settlement Komuhumuhu on the southern shore of Te Rotoiti as depicted by artist Charles Blomfield c. 1885 an earlier house, Tomohukahuka belonging to Mere Motuhia in which licenses with you when fishing. It saves us all time in the long run. services had been held. because of support offered by some local hapu members to both We would like to remind all anglers that the “no boat fishing” zone It seems (although this is uncertain) that once the new church was the invaders and the King Movement in general. As a result several Fish & Game complete, parts of the older house were used elsewhere: some being settlements, including Komuhumuhu were abandoned, the residents within Ruato Bay is currently in force until the new season starts on 1st October. This is the second year of a three year shoreline catch rate given to Petera Pokino for a church he was building on Mokoia shifting to the western end of Te Rotoiti. Island, and the balance used by Hona Te Hauiti and Te Morehu in the trial planned by the Eastern Fish and Game Council. Komuhumuhu was never again a major settlement. news construction of a new house. Despite the early importance of Komuhumuhu, only two named Lake Rotoiti will close to all boat fishing at the end of June and will When the new church was finally abandoned, probably in the 1860s, Fish & Game are currently undertaking our autumn liberations. This houses are spoken of. One was Tomohukahuka, the other, belonging to reopen when the new season kicks off on October 1st. Please keep it was given by Matene Te Huaki to Utiku. Dismantled by Utiku it was consists of a total of 14,000 RPAD (right pelvic and adipose fin clipped) Apikaira, was called Tikawe. There were many smaller and apparently checking all watersports equipment for weed and other hitchhikers taken and re-erected at Te Awahou where it stood until at least 1906. un-named houses within the immediate settlement and in adjacent fingerlings along with 500 ‘12R’ tagged fish that are being released when leaving waterways and before entering others. There have been Those involved as lay preachers at Komuhumuhu included Matene Te areas to the east. at sites from Ruato Bay through to ‘The Pipe’ at Hinehopu. Fish & recent finds of pest weeds in several lakes in our region. We want our Huaki, Eruera, Te Mapu, Hona Te Hauiti, Rewiri and Haora Matene. An Urupa named Kohia was also said to have existed inside Game staff are out conducting shoreline surveys and checking fishing waters to remain attractive and open for use. The Tairawhiti invasion of 1864 saw Komuhumuhu used as a Komuhumuhu. Remains were later removed to other nearby urupa. licenses throughout the winter. This winters angling has started well headquarters for troops of Te Arawa arriving to defend the district. The Reproduced with kind permission from Landmarks of Te Arawa, Volume 2 with some solid 5kg+ rainbows weighed in already. Please carry fishing Tairawhiti army was defeated but much ill-feeling existed in the district by D.M. Stafford Long term plan Local Government Reform, What a busy few weeks it has been at Council. We have been episode 1. Update from listening to and reading submissions for the Long Term Plan (LTP), The Government recently introduced legislation to reform local and now we are deliberating. c government. I take this process very seriously as it is probably the best way we Todd M Clay An enactment clearly stating the purpose of local government would Councillors have of really understanding what the community MP for Rotorua help in weighing up Community’s wish-list against the desire for lower want/need. This year it has been a little heart breaking as there is rates, but the timing is problematic. no wriggle room in the budget. People have submitted to us for Alcohol in the community. with very worthy ideas and some very worthy causes, however, we Councils are currently deliberating on their 2012-2022 Long Term Plans, Have your say have had to defer just about all until another year. a process that must be completed by the end of June. These plans and budgets, directed by the LGA 2002, must have regard for the Social, The Alcohol Reform Bill is set to come Such a lot of money is spent just fixing things that people have Economic, Cultural and Environmental well being of the community. broken/destroyed, cleaning the graffiti, replanting vandalised before Parliament again next month The proposed legislation appears to significantly narrow that scope, so gardens and play equipment, picking up rubbish etc, the list goes and will require a vote of conscience on. how does a council plan for 3 years if the goalposts will have moved for next year’s Annual Plan? On Q & A Minister Carter was of the view from all MPs on the alcohol purchase And it is not just the hoons. A lot of holiday homers come, clear that Councils should not get involved in education, for example, a age. As your local MP I’m interested in their section, then dump their green waste just up the road. I central government responsibility. have seen it first hand and it costs a lot to clear it. Please, if you your opinion. That’s why I’m launching see this, deter your neighbours from adding to our cost. RDC has over 80% support for continuing the City Safe Guardians, an a survey online and in newspapers to let initiative born directly out of concern for crime and disorder but clearly I would like to congratulate John Green on his appointment as a Police [Central Govt] responsibility as several submitters are pointing you have your say on this issue. Chairman of the Rotorua District Council Controlled Organisation out. for Economic Development to boost our local economy. Well The survey asks a simple question. What done, John, and I wish you every success. The redefined ‘purpose’ of LG is just part of the legislation so it is should the alcohol purchase age be? – going to be an extremely interesting 12 months for Councils and their keep the purchase age at 18, raise it to Maggie Bentley, Communities. Councillor, Rotorua District Council Dave Donaldson 20 or create a split purchase age of 18 Councillor, Rotorua District Council for on-licence premises such as bars, restaurants and sports clubs, and 20 for off-licences such as supermarkets and West Rotoiti Volunteer Fire Unit liquor stores. We had a relatively quiet summer with only three minor incidents I value your opinion and would be recorded between early November and end of February (compared to grateful for your feedback on this 12 the year before). The damp summer probably played a major part in issue. To have your say, please keep the lack of small and accidental vegetation fires. However, we had one an eye out for my newspaper surveys, memorable night in late March, during a rain storm, when we attended fill out the online version on my five calls between 10 p.m. and just after midnight, with trees blocking website http://www.toddmcclay.co.nz the main roads at several places between Allport Road and Okere Falls, or email me with your thoughts in Okere Falls and on SH 30 past Hauparu Bay. [email protected].
We have had a crew of 12 to 15 active members on call during the summer who all put a lot of their spare time into regular training sessions. Training attendance has been very good, resulting in our crew Seeking Expressions of Interest being very competent in the use of equipment and therefore able to TE NGAE PHARMACY respond quickly during incidents.
Our training night is every Tuesday from 7 p.m. for about two hours. It two boats, kindly skippered by their respective owners. The larger boat Your family healthcare centre covers quite diverse topics, from basic familiarisation with equipment carried gear and fire fighting crew and while we managed to put out specialising in: to setting up portable pumps and water supplies for vegetation fires, the fire unfortunately it sank shortly after arrival of the Coastguard first response to vehicle accidents, basic swift water rescue skills in boat. Four people on board luckily escaped without serious injuries and BABY NEEDS - NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS case of incidents on the Kaituna River and structure fire training. were picked up by other boaties in the area. - PHOTOGRAPHICS - TOILETRIES - GIFTS -
Part of our response plan also covers attendance at vegetation fires I would also like to take the opportunity here to thank all those people MEDICINALS - FIRST AID SUPPLIES on lake front areas not accessible by vehicle. Marcus and Jan Wilkins who have supported us again over the last year, in particular those who EFTPOS AVAILABLE generously offered the Fire Unit the use of their double decker have given financial contributions. Without this support we would be pontoon boat for a training night in January. Quite a lot of gear had to short of a few vital items on our fire appliance that we deem necessary Te Ngae Shopping Centre be transferred from fire truck to the boat for this exercise before our to provide as first response in emergencies within the local community. Te Ngae Road. Rotorua. skipper, Neil Sutton, took us across the lake to a small bay where we If you would like to contribute financially you can post a cheque to Ph 345 9678. Fax 345 9632 made “landfall” and set up portable pumps to fight a mock vegetation This boatshed (No. B175), situated near The Treasurer, c/o Carol Goodman, 12 Foster Road, Okere Falls, or if you fire. We also tried out several methods of using our pumps from the prefer internet banking, our bank account is with BNZ Rotorua, 02- the Delta, is currently vacant. M.C. BHULA Reg.Pharm.NZ moving boat. This latter part of the exercise came to very good use 0412-0106207-000. Receipts can be issued on request. If you would If interested please contact Sherryn Owen at the end of April at a boat fire just outside of Otaramarae Bay (see hours: mon-Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm like to contribute by becoming a fire fighter please contact Andi Uhl at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council photo courtesy J. Waters). Despite the burning boat being about 2 km sat: 9.00am - 1.00pm (362 4264) or Guy Nelson (362 4764). No particular skills are necessary on 0800 884 881 x7496 from the Otaramarae boat ramp we were able to respond quickly with but basic fitness helps and commitment to regular training is required. Gardening Notes:
The Cool Subtropics The Lakes in the Rotorua region were busy again this summer. Call the Department of Conservation to report your find – during Like previous articles this is based around a garden at Okere Amongst bulbs and rhizomes, Iris stylosa (a.k.a. I. unguicularis) is As a result DOC and the Regional Council had a number of calls office hours on 07-349 7400 or after hours on the DOC Hotline Falls, Lake Rotoiti. These remarks apply to all of the Lake Rotoiti a plant that was much more commonly seen a few decades back. regarding suspected pest fish and aquatic weeds. Thankfully none 0800 362 468 settlements, plus Lakes Rotoehu and Rotoma. It has soft blue flowers of good size, with a pleasant scent. From of those calls were from Lake Rotoiti are but we encourage locals to The simple act of check, clean and dry all our fishing, kayak and Morocco, it likes a dryish, fairly sunny spot. Various Nerines, with stay alert. boating equipment before we move between waterways. These On a glorious sunny day in late May I have taken a short wander deep red, pink, white or apricot flowers, are also performing at If you see a fish or aquatic weeds which you are not sure of, please actions can help keep our lakes pest free.s around the garden, camera in hand, to see what is in flower. Here present. Most of our stocks came from Terry Hatch of Joy Plants give us a call. The most important thing is to follow the steps Contacts are a few of them: luculias – 3 species in flower, all with fragrant near Bombay, south of Auckland. They like a warm sunny spot, as below: pink heads of flowers. Dahlia imperialis ‘alba’ – a white tree they come from South Africa. The dwarf Cyclamen neopolitanum Valerie Raethel | Aquatic Pest Ranger dahlia, with clean white flowers standing out against a deep blue (yes, from Italy) is also producing its flowers in pink or white. • If you have caught and killed a suspicious looking fish, please DOC - Rotorua Lakes Area Office sky, carried about 3 m above the ground. Dr Keith Hammett, of place the dead fish in a plastic bag and freeze. Place the aquatic DDI: 7 3498227 Email:[email protected] Auckland, has been doing some interesting breeding with this and So even as winter approaches there are many colourful plants to plant in a bag. This will enable accurate identification later on. similar species – keep an eye out for the results. brighten the green background of your lake garden. Most of these Background information • Record any other details you can remember about the sighting plants need little maintenance – maybe prune them every year or www.doc.govt.nz/stopthespread Begonias – B. metallica has attractive foliage and pink flowers three, and some minimal weed control (well that’s what they get in including time, location, how many fish you saw, colour of fish www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/didymo year round on a shrub to about 2m, and B. angulata has large our garden anyway!) Some of the plants that I mention in these etc. www.boprc.govt.nz/environment/water/rotorua-lakes/ silver-veined leaves and pink flowers on a scrambling shrub which articles are not readily available in the garden centres of today will reach about 3 m, or grow as a groundcover in an open sunny (things used to be different!) so you may need to approach other position. Both of these species flower non-stop throughout the gardeners with year. A heavy frost may damage them, but they grow back quickly. interesting Several vireya rhododendrons, including R. tuba (see my first article plants and beg in this series for a photo), R. ‘Yellow Bunny’ (flowers on and off a cutting or over most of the year) and a fine dark red vireya whose label has division. Most been lost, also almost ever-blooming. true gardeners will be happy to Camellias – the popular sasanqua camellias are in full bloom now, oblige. with fragrant flowers in white, pink, red etc. A really good hybrid, bred by the late Os Blumhardt, a much-respected Whangarei Nick Miller nurseryman and plant breeder, is C. ‘Sugar Dream’(see photo (ncmiller@ below). This gives us much pleasure in autumn, with its soft pink orcon.net.nz) blooms crowned by a mass of soft yellow stamens. It also has a ream’ Camellia ‘Sugar D pleasant scent.
LIMITED OUTBOARD SALES & SERVICE BOAT STORAGE • Fishing Licences LARGE RANGE OF CHANDLERY • Ice Creams • Takeaways
236 TE NGAE ROAD, • Chicken and Chips ROTORUA & Fish and Chips Phone 345 9854 • Dairy / Grocery Fax 345 9857 www.telfermarine.co.nz Open 7.30 am to 7 pm seven days Phone 07 362 4709
Phone ahead for your Food Order Lake Rotoiti Wooden and Classic Boats Lake Rotoiti Projects Dingy – Seagull/small outboard motor racing day at Wairau Bay, The major project this past year has been the clearing and development Anniversary Weekend - A popular fun day for participants and spectators. Charitable Trust of an area at Wairau Bay. Our Association uses this bay, courtesy of Parade Day in February - Well supported with 70 boats in all. A The Owners and Trustees of the Paehinahina Mourea Trust, for several pleasure to see the care and workmanship lavished on many of these We are pleased to report to you on the activities of the Trust for events on our calendar. This Trust, Chaired by Mr. Barnett Vercoe, has craft. Many of which have interesting histories chronicled by their the year ended 31 March 2012. shown goodwill and generosity in allowing us access to private land. owners. An opportunity to share knowledge and fellowship.
Perhaps in keeping with the economy generally, the year has The Association has signed Agreements with four Trusts regarding the Easter Light Parade - Eight boats provided a spectacle for onlookers. been the quietest since the inception of the Trust with no installation and maintenance of four Eco Toilets, at Wairua Bay, Te A publicised route ensured that many lake residents and visitors were Arero Bay ,Piropiro Bay, and Whangamoa Point. The Association thanks able to view the parade, and to show their appreciation with fireworks, applications for funding being received. So, other than the The Trustees for the privilege of access to the areas mentioned above. horns, and cheers. The success of this event relies on participation, and usual administration including keeping accounts, having them we would like to encourage more members to participate. audited and filing returns with the Charities Commission, the Activities Trustees have had very little to do. Green Acres Bay of Plenty Fishing competition , October – A small number of entries, moderate The A.G.M of the Classic and Wooden Boat Association was held June is owned and operated results, but a good social day. 2nd with a very good attendance. Resignations: Chris Laird, Mike Low. The purpose of the Trust is to provide funding for valid by Max Hughes. Poker Run. and picnic afternoon tea, 2nd January – a fun day that Aaron Martin elected to Committee. charitable purposes in New Zealand focussed on, (but not ended in heavy rain We look forward to another good year. restricted to) Lake Rotoiti and its environs. This may include The Regional office is located Marcus Wilkins | Commodore promoting recreational and community based activities, at Hauparu Bay Lake Rotoiti fostering a community spirit within Lake Rotoiti and its so they are ‘On the spot’ surrounds, and encouraging the preservation of the special character of Lake Rotoiti as a natural environment and historically significant area of New Zealand. FISHING LAKE ROTOITI - AUTUMN/WINTER 2012 Green Acres can help you with: The current Trustees (with their dates of appointment and Probably the most dramatic comparison between summer and autumn to date compared to last season, with hot spots Ruato, Transformer and contacts) are as follows: Lawnmowing catch results for Lake Rotoiti relates to the notable reduction in fish in The Pipe firing early and producing many fish in excess of 4.5 kg and • Hugh Marston (LRCA) 16 May 2007
The Trust is essentially dependant on donations to continue come to your property, and expand its activities. All donations are appreciated and are give you a free no obligation quote applied in accordance with the ‘Deed of Trust’. The Trust is run for the work you would like done and on a totally voluntary basis so, with the exception of minimal solve your problem. Rotoiti’s Specialist Charter Fishing Service adminstration expenses, all donations and income are available for distribution. IRD approved donee receipts for tax rebates All Green Acres Owner / Operators • Boat – Jigging, Harling, Trolling (Your boat or ours) will be sent to all who make donations to the Trust. are fully Trained, Insured • Fly Fishing – local and wilderness adventures by helicopter and 4x4 • Professional Instruction Many thanks to all who have supported the work of the Trust. and security checked. • Advice on equipment/boat set up • Gift vouchers available for special Hugh Marston (Chair) events, birthdays etc For and on behalf of the Trustees • Satisfaction Guaranteed Phone 0800 22 09 37 Phone: 027 3232 336 west rotoiti
Hi Flo Pumps & Irrigation Ltd. CARE GROUP 72 Old Taupo Road Hello PO Box 548 The major activity for 2012 to date was a clean up day in April. This Rotorua, New Zealand took place on the roadside at Okere on S.H. 33. The plantings there have matured well, so have the weeds. We had four operators with Anglican Church in Aotearoa, Phone: 07 348 7516 neighbour. weed eaters tidying the margins of the plantings, and other hardy Fax: 07 347 1609 New Zealand and Polynesia souls down the bank tackling the weeds and vines which threaten to strangle even the more mature trees. Ongoing spraying of weeds is required. Other areas, such as at Whangamarino, are developing well, Bachcare is New Zealand’s leading full service needing little input now apart from weed spraying. holiday home rental and management company. Roadside rubbish is an ongoing problem. We are grateful to the regular TE NGAE Contact us and let Bachcare take care of the details. Lake maintenance walkers who maintain Te Akau and Okere Roadsides., PASTORATE Noel & suzanne ruebe | Okere falls Thank you to all volunteers who have worked with me on our projects and to the individuals who keep areas specific to their locality in order. Lawns | gardens | rubbish removed | trees cut SERVICES Management of all plantings is ongoing and all support is greatly property security | pump maintenance | painting appreciated. Come and join us! St Mary’s Anglican Church - MOUREA tractor work | soil & metal cartage Third Sunday of Every Month - 9.00am Jan Wilkins 07 362 4976 Phone Noel 027-494-8730, St Marks Anglican Church – OWHATA Suzanne 021-072-1241, bachcare.co.nz/newowners (Corner Te Ngae Road & Sunrise Avenue) Glen 021-139-8860 0800 42 22 42 . bachcare.co.nz WAINGARO LAMB SHANKS Every Sunday - 9.00am PO Box 495 Rotorua This recipe comes from the farming ladies of the Waingaro area Nou Mai Haere Mai – All Welcome who published a fund raiser cook book many years ago. Enquiries to Rev Joe Huta – tel 07 350 1177 It is a fabulous recipe, primarily designed for lamb shanks however it can be used for cheaper cuts of meat – pork hocks (remove the skin) or frozen neck chops which are often on special Ingredients: 6 Shanks Boat Repairs and Maintenance 2 cloves of garlic (paste is fine) 2 tbsp tomato paste 1-1/2 cups water 1-1/2 cups red wine 3 large onions sliced 1 cup of raisins/sultanas (optional) 3 tsp brown shugar (leave out if using raisins/ sultanas) Method: Salt, pepper and flour the shanks then brown in a little oil. Place in a casserole dish along with browned onions. Bring red wine, water, tomato paste, garlic, raisins/brown sugar to the boil and pour over the shanks. Cook in oven with lid on for Prevent untimely breakdowns in season 2-3 hours at 150OC RHUBARB RELISH Ingredients: 4 cups diced rhubarb
4 cups diced onions Competitive rates, high work standards and friendly advice 2 cups vinegar 750 gms brown sugar • Periodic based servicing 1 tsp salt • Cooling system inspection • Water intake filters 1 cup sultanas • Impeller inspection 1 tsp ground cloves • Oil and filter replacement Method: Cook rhubarb and vinegar for ¼ hour. Add all other • Fuel filter replacement • General repairs and modification ingredients except sultanas and simmer with lid off for ¾ hr. Add sultanas and boil vigorously for 5 minutes, stirring all the time. If you want a smooth relish then blend when cooled slightly Contact Stacey Hamblyn phone number 07 533 1061 or 027 237 9309 email [email protected]
IMPORTANT REFUSE Medical PHONE DISPOSAL Services Weekly Household Refuse Accident & Urgent Medical Centre NUMBERS Collection Cnr Arawa & Tutanekai Streets, Rotorua Fire, Police, Ambulance, Search & Rescue 111 Only RDC Official Bags will be collected Phone 07- 348 1000 Tie bags securely Monday – Saturday 8 am– 10 pm. Accident/Medical Centre 348-1000 Place at kerbside by 8 a.m. on collection day Sunday 8 am–11.30 pm Urgent Pharmacy 348-4385 Lake Rotoiti Collection day is each MONDAY Rotorua Hospital No changes to collection days on Public Accident & Emergency Department Rotorua Hospital 348-1199 Holidays Off Arawa Street Phone 07-3481199 St John Ambulance 0800-426-285 Refuse & Recycling Okere Transfer Station (Call 111 for Ambulance Service) National Poisons Centre 0800-764-766 Located at Okere Road (just south of SH 33) Patient enquiries 07-3497977 (Mon-Fri) Rotorua Police Station 348-0099 Hours: 1 pm – 4.30 pm Wednesday Lakescare (Urgent) Pharmacy 10 am – 4.30 pm Sunday Cnr. Arawa & Tutanekai Streets, Rotorua Neighbourhood Support 349-9470 and last day of every Phone 07-348 4385 Open 7 days 8.30 am–9.30 pm TrustPower Emergency 0800-878-787 public holiday period (The Transfer Station is never open Te Ngae Pharmacy Energy Online Faults 0800-083-285 on Christmas day ) Te Ngae Shopping Centre Landfill Fees apply. Phone 07-345 9678 Environment Pollution Hotline 0800-738-393 Recycling Free of Charge Monday- Friday 8.30 am-5.30 pm S.P.C.A. 349-2955 Domestic Waste only Saturday 9am-1 pm No Trucks Dog Control (RDC) 348-4199 Defibrillator at the Fire Station in No Hazardous Waste Okere Road For further information call RDC (07) 348-4199 Harbour Master (7 day) 07-921-03375 In a medical emergency call 111 or 0800-368-267 Rotorua Landfill Ambulance but also advise the operator of Lake Wardens: Mark Farrant 0274-599-006 Located off Atimuri Highway SH 30 the defibrillator on the fire truck. They page Max Hughes 0274-966-759 1.6 km from Waipa Junction West Rotoiti Volunteer Fire Unit who could Keith Waddell 021-059-5162 Hours: Monday – Saturday be with you a lot faster than an ambulance Fraser Wilson 0274-965-070 7.30 am – 4.30 pm coming from Rotorua. Sunday and Public Holidays Coastguard 348-9022 9.30 am – 4.30 pm Marine Radio 348-7429 CLOSED Christmas Day interested in Landfill Fees Apply Dept. of Conservation 349-7400 contributing?
M.A.F. 0800-809-966 We are always pleased to receive Marine Radio relevant items for inclusion in this Fish & Game Eastern 357-5501 Rotorua frequencies newsletter. If you have an article Coastguard Radio conducts four radio or contribution please contact Fish & Game Licences 0800-542-362 schedules daily on VHF channel 81 [email protected] Poaching 0800-762-244 Scheduled times are:- 0745-0800 This Newsletter is printed on sustainably Environment Bay of Plenty 0800-368-267 1130-1145 produced paper FSC Certified (An independent, non governmental, not-for- Rotorua District Council 348-4199 1530-1545 profit organization established to promote 1800-1815 Rotorua Lakes Community Board 362-4700 the responsible management of the world's Channel 81 is the calling frequency forests to meet the social, economic and Lakes Maintenance 362-4814 and closes down at 1830 for this area. ecological needs of present and future Working frequencies are 06, 08 and generations) Pumps - Hi Flo Pumps 348-7516 (24hrs) 64. Please use these vessel to vessel. Visitors to the area are welcome to use Septic Tanks these services. - Rotorua Waste Disposal 332-2791 CONTACT Rotorua Lakes Coastguard uses channel - (Mobile) 021-349-236 LRCA DETAILS 86 for Search and Rescue. Please avoid Emery Store 362-7866 using this channel. All written correspondence should be sent to: Frequent visitors are encouraged to The Secretary Happy Angler Store 362-4709 support this service by joining the LRCA Rotorua VHF Marine Radio Association. Postal Delivery Centre Okere Falls Store 362-4944 Please contact The Secretary at Box Mourea 3074 Rotoma General Store 362-0722 8000, Western Heights, Rotorua, or Email: [email protected] phone 07 348 2318 Website: www.rotoiti.co.nz